Smashburger Announces New Executive Hires

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Jan 20, 2011, 12:00 ET

DENVER, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Smashburger, a nationally-acclaimed, industry-leading "better burger" restaurant, has appointed four new members to its executive leadership team. The fast-growing chain's new leaders bring experience from some of the world's most successful companies and brands, including McDonald's, Blue Moon, Clorox and Chipotle.

Craig Leonard will serve as Executive Vice President and President International, Julie Reeves will serve as Vice President of Marketing, David Milliken will serve as Vice President of Marketing and Chris Smith with serve as Regional Director of Operations.

"These appointments signify the bright future Smashburger has as it strives to become America's favorite place for burgers," said David Prokupek, CEO & Chairman of Smashburger. "Craig, Julie, Dave and Chris all bring a record of proven success to our company and I look forward to working closely with them as Smashburger continues to grow."

Craig Leonard brings more than 20 years of experience in restaurant operations, franchising and sales to Smashburger. Leonard has managed global brands such as McDonalds, Burger King and Popeye's. Prior to becoming Executive Vice President and President International for Smashburger, Leonard worked as Chief Operating Officer for Century 21 Real Estate LLC.

Julie Reeves is an expert marketer with more than 10 years of strategic and consumer communications experience. She has worked on a number of admired consumer brands including Clorox, Silk Soymilk and Brita Water Filtration. Most recently, Reeves served as brand manager for Whitewave Foods. Reeves will serve as Vice President of Marketing for Smashburger, heading up local-store marketing and public relations.

David Milliken brings more than 10 years of experience in brand management, promotions and marketing to Smashburger. Throughout his career, Milliken has managed beer brands including Blue Moon, Coors Light and Killian's Irish Red while working as a brand manager for MillerCoors. Most recently, Milliken served as Senior Brand Manager for Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. Milliken will serve as Vice President of Marketing for Smashburger heading up national promotions and digital communications.

Chris Smith is a seasoned restaurant-operations director bringing over 20 years experience in the restaurant industry to Smashburger. Previously, Smith served as Operations Director for Chiptole Mexican Grill, overseeing dozens of restaurant operations as Vice President for Star Concessions LTD. and most recently served as Senior Vice President of Mexican Restaurants Inc. Smith will serve as Regional Director of Operations for Smashburger.

For more information, and for a list of Smashburger locations, please visit www.smashburger.com.

About Smashburger

Denver-based Smashburger, the country's fastest growing "better burger" restaurant company, is designed to be every city's favorite place for burgers. It was named a 2009 Hot Concepts! award winner by Nation's Restaurant News. Developed and owned by private equity and concept-development firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger operates and develops corporate, joint venture and franchise stores across the country. Smashburger has approximately 100 stores nationwide and is on pace to double that number by 2012, with the goal of 500 stores by 2013. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.

About Consumer Capital Partners

Denver-based Consumer Capital Partners (CCP) is an innovative private investment and concept development firm focused on multi-unit retail businesses, primarily in the restaurant industry. CCP has deep experience in the fields of private equity, brand, concept and product development and strategic consulting. To learn more about CCP, please visit www.consumercp.com.

SOURCE Smashburger